Artwork

Portrait of Carl XII of Sweden

Portrait of Carl XII of Sweden, by David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl, oil
Portrait of Carl XII of Sweden, by David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl, oil

Portrait of Carl XII of Sweden is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl. It is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Carl XII of Sweden is an oil painting held at the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Carl XII in a formal military attire, conveying confidence and authority. He is shown wearing a dark coat with a white sash and a sword, his hair tied back, with one hand resting on a pillar.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth. This is evident in the rendering of the subject's face and clothing, where light and shadow are used to accentuate the details of his attire.

Artist & collection